Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival was founded in 1969 after observing the successes of the Bavarian tradition previously celebrated at the Concordia Club. Identifying the opportunity to share and celebrate Kitchener-Waterloo’s unique German-Canadian heritage, a handful of dedicated volunteers launched the first official Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest on October 14, 1969.

With $200, and a vote of confidence from the Chamber of Commerce, the small group of volunteers attracted just under 75,000 visitors, brewed 57,000 gallons of beer, and consumed 50,000 pounds of sausages, pigtails, and sauerkraut.

Since then, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has evolved into a much larger festival. In fact, it is the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich, Germany. The community-owned festival takes pride in maintaining its traditions, while representing the interests of the newest generations of “festers.” A team of 8 full-time employees and 500 volunteers co-ordinate the nine-day festival, which attracts over 700,000 attendees from all over the world. It also contributes a significant amount to the social, economic, and cultural vitality of Waterloo Region, best exemplified by its support of the more than 70 not-for-profit organizations who raise a total of $1.5 million each year through their association with Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.

Over the years, the not-for-profit organizations involved with Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest have seen their hard work pay off in the community’s enjoyment of arenas, ice rinks, swimming pools and recreational facilities, community parks and public fountains. Local drum and bugle corps, choirs and orchestras, dance groups, language schools, clubs and camps, Big Sisters and Big brothers, seeing-eye dog training schools, group homes for the mentally challenged, senior citizens’ residences, and three area hospitals have also benefited from the funds raised at the festival.

The festival has recently expanded to include a festhallen in London, Ontario – Just a short drive down the 401! Celebrate Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and take in the spirit of Gemuetlichkeit! Between events at the various German clubs and festhallen, and the over 40 family and cultural events, there is truly something for everyone at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest!

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Voyago provides on-time, safe, secure, and efficient transportation to get people where they need to be. Whether it’s for a school trip, a conference, sports teams or a wedding, Voyago’s charter service has your transportation needs covered. Voyago has fully wheel chair accessible vehicles.

Explore the history of Waterloo at the City of Waterloo Museum. Located in Conestoga Mall, the museum shares the stories of Waterloo from its founding in 1806 to today. With over 10,000 historical objects in its collection, the museum changes its exhibitions regularly.